Top 20 Best Online Master’s in Nursing (MSN)-Gerontology Degree Programs

With the large baby boomer population creating a growing demand for healthcare services for elderly patients, many registered nurses have decided to to take advantage of this promising outlook in geriatric care by earning a Master’s of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a concentration in Gerontology. However, nurses often have difficulty attending traditional brick-and-mortar universities due to hectic work schedules and family obligations. Luckily, accredited online MSN degrees in Gerontology are rising in the rankings for providing nurses with the flexibility and convenience to gain essential experience working with older adults.

Ranking Methodology

In creating our choices for the best accredited MSN Gerontology degree programs online, we consulted the U.S. News and World Report’s rankings for the Top Online Graduate Nursing Programs, the Top Graduate Nursing Schools, and the Top Geriatric Nursing Programs. While the top 13 of our 20 schools are nationally ranked in these prestigious survey rankings, the additional 7 accredited schools also have an excellent track record of providing high-quality nursing education in flexible online formats for working adult nurses.

Top 20 Best Online Master’s in Nursing (MSN)-Gerontology Degree Programs

Not only has Duke University been ranked as the 7th best college overall in the nation, it is recognized for having the 7th best graduate nursing school with the 10th best geriatric nursing program and 47th best online graduate nursing programs in the nation. As such a prestigious university on all three lists and within the top 10 nationally for National Institute of Nursing Research funding, it is no surprise that Duke takes the number one slot for the best MSN Gerontology degree program online.

With students benefiting from the extensive range of clinical and intellectual resources of the renowned Duke University Health System, the MSN Gerontological Nurse Practitioner program is offered online at least one semester per year for full-time or part-time study. Through an integration of didactic and clinical experiences in rural and urban clinic settings, graduates are well-prepared as advanced practice nurses in caring for older adults.

Tuition

At Duke, the graduate per-credit-hour tuition cost for nursing programs is $1,425.

2. George Washington University – Online Master’s in Nursing with a Specialization in Gerontology

The U.S. News and World Report survey has recognized George Washington University as having the 50th best graduate nursing school with the 4th best online graduate nursing programs in the nation. Highly regarded for being among the first schools of nursing to offer online education, the GWU School of Nursing is respected for making nursing education accessible to students at various points of their career.

For an equal balance of theoretical and practical foundations for registered nurses, the Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP) program prepares graduates to lead the primary healthcare delivery for patients from adolescence through older adulthood. With full-time and part-time enrollment options available, the online format allows professional nurses to continue working while accessing the university’s expert faculty and resources.

Recognized as the 55th top public school in the nation by the U.S. News and World Report, the University of South Carolina is highly respected for having the 79th best graduate nursing school with the 16th best online graduate nursing programs in the United States. As the state’s flagship nursing school to improve quality of healthcare, the USC College of Nursing is home to the first NIH-funded Center for Research Excellence in South Carolina.

The Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Practitioner (AGACNP) program track is designed to prepare advanced practice nurses to provide healthcare services to acutely ill adults and gerontology patients with complex health problems. While most of the courses are available online, all students are required to come to Columbia twice a semester for a clinical check-off with faculty.

Tuition

At USC, the graduate in-state tuition is $5,820 and the out-of-state tuition is $12,480 per year.

4. Drexel University – Online Master’s in Nursing with a Specialization in Gerontology

Situated in the downtown hub of Philadelphia as the 97th best college in the country, Drexel University is nationally distinguished for having the 127th best graduate nursing school and the 24th best online graduate nursing programs. Furthermore, the College of Nursing and Health Professions received special acclaim for Student Services and Technology as well as Student Engagement and Accreditation.

Intended to train nurse practitioners in the management of acute and critically ill adult patients with complex chronic medical concerns, the MSN Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) program places a strong emphasis on diagnostic reasoning and clinical decision-making. Despite the requirement for some on-campus visits and clinical practicum rotations, the program is offered with synchronous online lectures for interactive learning.

Tuition

With a 10% discount for online graduate tuition, the program costs $832 per credit hour.

5. Old Dominion University – Online Master’s in Nursing with a Specialization in Gerontology

As Virginia’s forward-focused metropolitan public research institution, Old Dominion University is currently acclaimed for having the 234th best graduate nursing school with the 24th best online graduate nursing degree programs in the entire country. Fully accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), the School of Nursing is committed to transforming healthcare by preparing exceptional nurse leaders, scientists, and advocates in nursing science.

Ideal for registered nurses who are interested in becoming dually prepared for clinical and academic roles, the School offers a unique combined Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (AGCNS) and Nurse Educator program online. After completing the program full-time or part-time virtually, graduates are eligible for taking the Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist certification examination by the American Nurses’ Association (ANCC).

Tuition

For graduate programs, the in-state tuition rate is $412 per credit and the out-of-state tuition rate is $1,048 per credit.

6. University of Cincinnati – Online Master’s in Nursing with a Specialization in Gerontology

As an urban public research university that is currently ranked as the 135th best college in the nation by the U.S. News and World Report, the University of Cincinnati has the 64th best graduate nursing school and the 37th best online graduate nursing degree programs. In order to provide diversity in clinical experiences to over 1,500 active students, the College of Nursing is renowned for partnering with over 300 clinical sites.

For registered nurses seeking a career working with older adults, the college offers innovative online learning programs to earn a MSN in Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP) or Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (AGCNS). Both programs are focused on advanced nursing training in the diagnosis and management of common or complex medical conditions in patients over the age of 13.

Tuition

While the full-time graduate nursing tuition rate is $7,091 per term for Ohio residents, those who reside outside of Ohio can expect to pay $7,241 each term.

7. University of Texas at Arlington – Online Master’s in Nursing with a Specialization in Gerontology

Emerging as a national leader in online education with about 9,600 students pursuing their degree fully online, the University of Texas at Arlington is recognized by the U.S. News and World Report survey for having the 64th best graduate nursing school and the 65th best online graduate nursing degree programs in the nation. The UT Arlington College of Nursing is also one of only four universities in the state to receive the Texas Higher Education Star Award.

The Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP) program track prepares advanced practice nurses online as primary care providers to manage the healthcare needs of individuals from adolescence through end of life in a changing healthcare system. For a total of 50 credit hours, the degree can be obtained within two years full-time or three years part-time.

Tuition

The flat-rate tuition cost for graduate programs is $5,100 each year.

8. Kaplan University – Online Master’s in Nursing with a Specialization in Gerontology

As one of the world’s leading providers of lifelong career-oriented education, Kaplan University is an online student-centered private institution accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (NCA). Within the School of Nursing, Kaplan is recognized for having the 70th best online graduate nursing programs in the nation by the U.S. News and World Report.

Available completely online from anywhere in the world with an Internet connection, the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program with a specialization in Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP) is designed for those seeking management and advanced practice nursing positions working with adults. The program includes faculty and preceptor guided practicum experiences designed to provide mentoring specific to the specialization.

Tuition

For online MSN graduate programs, the Kaplan tuition rate is $368 per quarter credit hour for a total cost of $33,120.

9. Saint Louis University – Online Master’s in Nursing with a Specialization in Gerontology

Founded as a comprehensive private institution in the Catholic and Jesuit traditions in the downtown hub of St. Louis in Missouri, Saint Louis University is ranked as the 101st best college in the nation with the 50th best graduate nursing school and 90th best online graduate nursing programs. Furthermore, the School of Nursing has consistently been ranked within the top three percent of nursing schools in the United States by the Gourman Report.

Within the ten online nursing degree programs offered, nurses have the option to pursue a MSN in Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) or Adult/Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP) completely online. In order to provide the flexibility that working registered nurses require, the programs offer individualized full and part-time curriculum plans in all specialty areas.

Tuition

At this time, the tuition rate for the graduate nursing programs at SLU is $1,030 per credit.

10. Vanderbilt University – Online Master’s in Nursing with a Specialization in Gerontology

Home to one of the nation’s best university medical centers, Vanderbilt University is ranked as the 17th best college in the United States with the 15th best graduate nursing school by the U.S. News and World Report. As a historic leader in evolving the nature of nursing education, the Vanderbilt School of Nursing is recognized for its leadership in preparing professionals for nursing practice, healthcare leadership, education, and scholarly activity.

With flexible distance learning formats, students can pursue a MSN in Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) as well as in Adult/Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP). While those interested in providing comprehensive medical care to acutely ill patients requiring hospitalization follow the Hospitalist track, those providing care to adults with critical life-threatening illnesses in intensive care settings follow the Intensivist track.

Tuition

At Vanderbilt, the cost for graduate nursing study is $1,160 per credit hour.

11. Emory University – Online Master’s in Nursing with a Specialization in Gerontology

Situated in the suburb of Druid Hills near downtown Atlanta, Emory University is currently ranked as the 20th best college and 19th best value school in the nation by the U.S. News and World Report. Within the heart of the major elite private research institution, the Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing is also acclaimed for being the 15th best graduate nursing school and 20th most social media friendly school in nursing.

For completion in just four to five semesters of full-time study, students can pursue the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree online in the specialty areas of Adult/Gerontology Acute Care (AGACNP) and Adult/Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP). With 600 hours of supervised clinical practice, students receive a broad exposure to managing the diverse healthcare needs of aging adult populations.

Tuition

With academic, living, textbook, health insurance, and transportation expenses included, the total graduate tuition rate at Emory is $32,214 each year.

12. Walden University – Online Master’s in Nursing with a Specialization in Gerontology

As a global leader in online distance learning with high-quality international programs for more than 104,000 students, Walden University is an accredited private online institution with more than 40 years of experience helping working professionals achieve the highest success. Fully approved by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), the School of Nursing provides academically rigorous and contextually relevant training programs online.

For nurses seeking the training to assess, diagnose, treat, and manage a variety of health issues among patients from adolescence through the senior years, the MSN in Adult/Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP) can be pursued on a BSN to MSN track or RN to MSN track. Throughout, students explore strategies for improving patient health outcomes through effective communication and collaboration.

Tuition

Along with a $120 technology fee per quarter, the tuition rate is $595 per quarter credit hour.

13. Georgetown University – Online Master’s in Nursing with a Specialization in Gerontology

Based on a main 104-acre urban campus overlooking the Potomac River just a few minutes from the heart of our nation’s capital in downtown Washington, Georgetown University is currently ranked as the 20th best college and 24th best value school in the nation by the U.S. News and World Report. Within the oldest Catholic university, the School of Nursing and Health Studies is also acclaimed for being the 36th best graduate nursing school in the United States.

As one of the four MSN degree programs offered online by Georgetown, the Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner/Adult Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (AG-ACNP/CNS) program prepares registered nurses with acute and/or critical care experience. Upon completion of the 48-credit program with 900 clinical hours, graduates are well-prepared to provide direct patient management in acute and complex care settings.

Tuition

Students in the online graduate nursing programs can expect to pay a tuition and mandatory fee rate total of $21,940 each year.

14. Grand Canyon University – Online Master’s in Nursing with a Specialization in Gerontology

Established as a premier private non-denominational Christian institution in Phoenix with accredited on-campus and online degree offerings, Grand Canyon University is committed to encouraging students to find their purpose in Christ and apply Christian values to the workplace. Fully accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), the School of Nursing is recognized for being the 435th best graduate nursing school by the U.S. News and World Report.

In order to achieve better focus and more in-depth level of understanding, the MSN in Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) and Adult/Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (AGCNS) programs uniquely enable students to take just one course at a time. Both bridge programs are offered to seasoned registered nurses with a bachelor’s degree outside nursing who want to earn their MSN.

Tuition

For enrollment in the graduate nursing programs at GCU, the tuition rate is $495 per credit hour.

15. Maryville University – Online Master’s in Nursing with a Specialization in Gerontology

Currently recognized as the 161st best college and 35th top university for military veterans in the nation by the U.S. News and World Report, Maryville University is a private liberal arts institution in St. Louis with approximately 4,200 students. Approved by the Missouri State Board of Nursing for state licensure upon graduation, the Maryville School of Nursing is nationally acclaimed for being the 193rd best graduate nursing school in the country.

With no residency requirements, Maryville University offers an advanced practice MSN degree program with a specialization in Adult-Geriatric Nurse Practitioner (AGNP) fully online. Through an interactive online classroom and clinical internship experiences, nurses are given the skills, knowledge, and confidence to become better practitioners as well as nursing leaders.

Tuition

While the full-time tuition rate for the online Master’s nursing programs is $12,347 each semester, those pursuing their degree part-time must pay $755 per credit hour.

16. Seton Hall University – Online Master’s in Nursing with a Specialization in Gerontology

Considered a catalyst in liberal arts education as a private Roman Catholic institution located less than 14 miles from New York City, Seton Hall University is currently ranked as the 128th best college in the United States by the U.S. News and World Report. Even more importantly, the CCNE-accredited College of Nursing is distinguished for being the 127th best graduate nursing school in the country.

For nurses seeking to provide a range of advanced healthcare services to promote wellness and manage illness needs of adults across the lifespan, the Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP) programs offers Primary Care and Acute Care tracks online. Students will also spend at least 675 clock hours in supervised clinical practice in one of the college’s 200 affiliated clinical facilities nationwide.

Tuition

At Seton Hall, the graduate tuition rate for nursing degree programs is $1,066 per credit hour.

17. Boise State University – Online Master’s in Nursing with a Specialization in Gerontology

Located in Idaho’s population center and capital city at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, Boise State University is ranked as the 65th best college, 21st top public school, and 18th best university for veterans in the West by the U.S. News and World Report. Fully accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), the School of Nursing also has a shining reputation as one of the top nursing schools in the Northwest region.

At Boise State, registered nurses with a bachelor’s degree in nursing have the opportunity to pursue a MSN degree in Nursing of Populations or Adult/Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP) in Acute or Primary Care online. Within the part-time three-year programs with great flexibility, students complete the majority of the coursework in an online format with on-campus sessions each summer to practice complex nursing skills.

Tuition

Idaho residents pay a graduate tuition rate of $6,292 each year, but non-residents can expect to pay an out-of-state rate at $18,892 annually.

18. Concordia University Wisconsin – Online Master’s in Nursing with a Specialization in Gerontology

Affiliated with the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod to provide a liberal arts education to over 4,500 students, Concordia University Wisconsin is ranked as the 68th best college in the Midwest. As a premier Christ-centered community focused on nurturing the development of the whole nurse for serving vulnerable populations, the School of Nursing is also widely recognized for being the 295th best graduate nursing school by the U.S. News and World Report.

Designed for working registered nurses whose schedules require flexibility, the MSN in Adult/Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner program track enables the completion of major coursework online with one on-campus residency requirement prior to clinical courses. From a unique global perspective, the program allows students to participate in experiences that enhance cultural competency in providing service to diverse patients.

Tuition

Along with a $515 clinical fee each semester, the online MSN program has a cost of $615 per credit hour.

19. Wilmington University – Online Master’s in Nursing with a Specialization in Gerontology

Founded as a four-year private research institution in New Castle, Delaware with a total of over 10,800 students, Wilmington University is currently recognized as the 207th best research university in the nation and the 172nd top college in the Northeast by Forbes magazine. With a commitment to quality, relevance, and lifelong learning, the College of Health Professions also is ranked as the 166th best graduate nursing school by the U.S. News and World Report.

Fully accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), the online Adult/Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner program track can be completed within 32 months for a total of 48 semester credits and 600 clinical practice hours. The graduate-level curriculum places an emphasis on advanced nursing practice, theory, and scholarly inquiry.

Tuition

For online distance graduate learning, the tuition rate is $424 per credit hour.

20. Wilkes University – Online Master’s in Nursing with a Specialization in Gerontology

Situated in the metropolitan area of Wilkes-Barre as a comprehensive private institution, Wilkes University is ranked as the 74th best college in the North by the U.S. News and World Report. As one of the few nursing programs in Pennsylvania to receive accreditation for 10 years by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), the School of Nursing is also nationally recognized for being the 390th best graduate nursing school in the nation.

For registered nurses who already have a bachelor’s degree in nursing, Wilkes University offers a MSN degree program online with concentrations in Adult/Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP) and Adult/Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (AGCNS). With the 40-credit programs held online, required clinical hours can be completed at any approved location nationwide where students reside.

Tuition

For a full academic year of graduate study, the tuition rate is $30,353.